The Medical Instrument Technician (Electrocardiograph/Telemetry) will function independently in operating and monitoring electrocardiographic equipment for continuous telemetry rhythm evaluation and interpretation. They will remotely monitor the continuous cardiac rhythms for up to 50 patients under the direction of the RN and medical providers.

Duties

The duties of the position may include but are not limited to the following: Provides continuous cardiac surveillance, rhythm interpretation, and reporting of monitor tracings of patients admitted to inpatient units, from a central station, for the purpose of diagnostic exams and/or medical treatment using continuous electrocardiography per physician's order. Documents cardiac rhythm strips, measuring and interpreting rhythms at designated intervals and PRN per Telemetry policy. Ensures rhythm strips are labeled with patient's name, lead, PR, QRS and QT intervals and rhythm interpretation and signed upon completion to be reviewed by physicians and registered nurses to determine efficacy of treatments. Reviews previous rhythm strips for history and audit purposes. Confirms active continuous electrocardiography orders for monitored patients in Electronic Healthcare Record. Verifies appropriate parameters from the doctor's orders and notifies the assigned RN of patient changes that are outside of the default alarms or set parameters. Recognizes abnormal or lethal rhythms and notifies appropriate health care personnel, calling Code blue or Rapid Response when appropriate. Performs stress EKGs for exercise tolerance tests and stress echocardiogram testing Monitors continuous oxygen saturation and reports abnormal findings to clinical staff. Conducts ambulating oxygen saturation tests and provides information to appropriate health care personnel to determine home oxygen needs. Operates and maintains commonly used electrocardiographic equipment used for 12-lead electrocardiograms. Performs resting 12-lead EKGs on routine, stat or prn basis for purpose of diagnostic exams and/or medical treatment per physician's order. Position patients for resting 12-lead electrocardiogram based on test required, patient anatomy/ physiology, and use alternate positions for patient with disabilities. Manipulates the controls and programs information into the 12-lead EKG computer to provide tracing. Demonstrates ability to edit and select an appropriate sample portion of the tracing for further interpretation by the physician. Alerts proper medical personnel of serious abnormal test results. Obtains patient's confidence and cooperation by providing education on the purpose and use of continuous cardiac monitoring, continuous pulse oximetry, or resting 12-lead EKG. Prepares patient's skin for proper electrode placement; and ensures proper reading. Perform collateral duties within Patient Care Services that could include, but not limited to, nurse aide duties, screening, and sitting 1:1. EQUIPMENT KNOWLEDGE/MAINTENANCE: Perform system pre/post-operative preventative maintenance, as required (e.g., cleaning filters, exteriors, etc.). Required to use standard isolation techniques for appropriate patients. Troubleshoots operational deficiencies, responsible for noting technical difficulties in system operations. Report's deficiencies and/or malfunctions to supervisor or designee. Maintains work area in a clean and orderly manner. Stocks, procures, and replenishes required supplies and materials. Work Schedule: FT, Monday thru Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 55330-O, 55331-O, 55332-O, 55333-O Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Certification: No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS and ACLS certifications. Physical Requirements: Must pass a physical examination for this position. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-4: Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled. Six months of this experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant, practical nursing, or similar fields. The remaining six months must have been in operating diagnostic and therapeutic equipment covered by this occupation. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited at this level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: OR, Education. Successful completion of two years of education above high school or an associate's degree with a major field of study directly related to the medical instrument technician occupation. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Knowledge of basic medical terminology. 2. Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used. 3. Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress. 4. Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted. 5. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. GS-5: Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled. This would be experience in operating equipment related to the particular specialization for which application is made or in related functional areas. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: OR, Education. Successful completion of 4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to medical instrument technician functions. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions. 2. Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment. 3. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities. 4. Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures. 5. Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine. GS-6: Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 1. Ability to recognize special patient needs such as disabilities, impaired mobility, and complicating medical conditions in order to prepare and position the patient for the prescribed procedure. 2. Knowledge of the specialized equipment and accessories appropriate to Holter monitoring and ability to perform such tests. 3. Knowledge of universal precautions and sterilization techniques and ability to follow CDC guidelines in cleaning equipment. 4. Ability to monitor the patient for adverse reactions and take appropriate action. 5. Ability to operate the equipment to perform standard and routine highly specialized procedures including exercise stress testing. Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification. GS-7: Applicants must have one year specialized experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent and must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: 1. Knowledge of typical patient reactions and signs of distress including the ability to recognize, report and treat potentially lethal arrhythmias. 2. Knowledge of common equipment settings and standardized procedures plus knowledge of common errors and corrective measures. 3. Ability to modify procedures/positions to obtain the correct results with patients with complicating conditions such as amputations, Parkinson's disease, structural defects, and scar tissue. 4. Ability to act ad a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians. 5. Ability to conduct in-service training on the EKG equipment and related instrumentation. Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certifications. Preferred Experience: Prefer candidates with background in EKG Technician role, formal training a plus. Experience in telemetry and rhythm analysis, stress testing support, and Holter monitor placement are desired. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-4 to GS-7. Physical Requirements: The work requires at various intervals, long periods of sitting to observe cardiac rhythms on EKG telemetry monitors. Incumbent experiences extended periods during which continual visualization of monitors, various equipment, and computer screens is required. Incumbent assists in positioning patients, placing EKG/Telemetry leads as needed.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Jack C Montgomery VA Medical Center 1011 Honor Heights Drive Muskogee, OK 74401 US
• Name: Phillip Narey
• Phone: 720-723-4833
• Email: [email protected]